Application Requesting Approval for a Wall from ALMA
ALMA must approve all docks, floats and walls constructed or placed on the Lake. This applies
to new docks, floats, and walls, as well as to changes to existing docks, floats, and walls beyond
simple maintenance. A written description of the project must be submitted to ALMA. The
DFW committee will review these proposals.
General Guidelines for Retaining Walls and Wall Replacement:
The height and width of all retaining walls will depend on the site specific conditions. In all
instances, the wall will be the least invasive to, and/or obstructive of, the natural habitat of the
Lake. Owners are encouraged to construct walls of stone or jagged rock (riprap). See the
materials section of guidelines for questions about the use of pressure treated lumber. Use of
power equipment and machinery on the lake bed for any purpose is discouraged and requires
prior approval by ALMA. Maximum use of biostabiliszation is urged by ALMA as well as
minimum use of hardscape materials.
Wall replacements should be built within existing property boundaries, above the present high
water mark, and should not encroach further into the ALMA lake property. Activities should
avoid the introduction of nutrients or other pollution into the lake. Sanitized materials should be
used to avoid introducing invasive plant or animal life to the lake. Stone should be placed
between the earth to be retained and the wall to enable free drainage and increase the durability
of the wall. Filter fabric should be placed between drainage stone and the wall. If rip-rap is the
retaining medium, the fabric should be placed between the earth and the rip-rap. Avoid
excavation equipment if possible (any powered excavation equipment must be approved by
ALMA and the Andover Wetland Commission). If excavation equipment must be used, it must
stay off the lakebed. If a retaining wall is to be built rather than sloped rip-rap, the wall should be
sloped as much as possible, base to top, away from the lake to avoid disturbing the normal wave
action.
Application on next page:
ALMA – Application For Walls - Revised 07-11-13
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Please respond to the follow questions and attach a general sketch of the proposed wall showing
its location and approximate distance to the property line and the septic system.
1. Send your completed application to: ALMA, P.O. Box 3, Andover, CT 06232
2. Address and Owner of Property:
3. Description of the work to be completed:
4. What equipment is to be used (Note, if power excavation equipment must be used it must stay
off the lake bed)?
5. What efforts will be made to ensure that disturbed sediments, nutrients, other pollutants or
invasive plants / animals are not introduced to the lake:
6. Briefly describe the materials (riprap, filter cloth, drainage stone) and equipment used to build
or repair the wall.
7. General description of location where the wall will be built or repaired (flat, gently sloping, steep
slope, grassy, sandy, boulders, vegetated etc.):
8. Does your proposed wall stay within the existing property boundaries, above the high water
mark (i.e. it does not en encroach further into ALMA lake property than is presently the case)?
In addition to ALMA’s approval, any construction activity involving excavations into the lake bed or
shoreline for docks, floats, or walls will require the applicant to communicate with and receive approval
from the Andover Wetlands officer through the Andover town office. Approval from ALMA should be
received before approaching the wetlands officer.
ALMA – Application For Walls - Revised 07-11-13
Page 2